Wilson Alexia 2 lacking some bass


Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out for advice on fine-tuning my system, as I'm noticing a minor lack of low-end response that seems unusual given the capabilities of my speakers.

Here’s the current setup:

  • Speakers: Wilson Alexia 2, positioned on spikes per the WASP guide
  • Amplification: Nagra HD mono amps
  • Digital Source: DCS Rossini Apex with DCS Rossini Clock
  • Server: Antipodes Oladra
  • Cabling: Shunyata Omega throughout
  • Room Dimensions: Approximately 20 x 15 ft

I’m wondering if the amps may not be the ideal match or if further adjustments to the speaker placement could help resolve this. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

greenspyder718

@OP. Congratulations - very nice system. Wilson's bass is somewhat overdamped and some people don't like that particular characteristic - personally I do. That is the subjective impression of the bass as opposed to the measured frequency response the speaker is actually delivering. It would be worth trying a pair of Shunyata Typhon T30's which should bring more impact and dynamics in the bass. Also, despite what DCS say, I prefer the Rossini via a dedicated preamp, as opposed to driving power amps directly, which is what I assume you are doing.

I used to own Alexia 1's until moving up to Alexx V.  I tried adding subs to the Alexia's and it did not do much. Ultimately I think speaker position is key.

I also have the Alexia 2's.  I run it with Esoteric electronics.  The Alexia's bass is awesome is the word that comes to mind.  It's the sitting position that is the problem.  I found moving the sitting a couple of feet closer or further away from the speakers are areas of bass nulls.  Try it, move around your sitting position and see for yourself.

Suggest you try a good preamplifier in your system. My Bartok sounds great until I put the Conrad-Johnson ART88 pre back in the system. A much fuller more complete sound stage. Most, including now even Paul McGowan who fought the concept of a preamplifier, seem to find a more complete presentation with a pre in the system.

You may be sitting in a null. I had a room 15 x 20 x 8 and needed to move my seat back until the room response flattened out from my ear position. I did this 6 inches at a time with the laptop and mic until it was optimized. It was not at the 62% back rule of thumb. Roughly your 15 ft has a resonant freq of 37 hz and your 8 ft ceiling is 70. That is a problem right away. Your 20 feet is about 28 hz. That room had Sasha One's.

Today's room has Alexia One's. I had to bass trap the heck out of it to make it flatter. See my virtual room in Tennessee. The Sasha room is also in the system under Kentucky.

I think this is readily solvable. Your gear is stellar.